Height adjustable support surface and system for encouraging human movement and promoting wellness

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling a height adjustable workstation that includes a worktop supported by a frame, a processor, and a vertical displacement drive mechanism controllable by the processor to change the elevation of the worktop to different worktop elevation positions, the method comprising the steps of sensing the presence of a workstation user within a space associated with the workstation, tracking the duration of time that the worktop is in at least a first position while a user is within the space associated with the workstation and providing the user with a reminder to change the current position of the worktop to another position when the tracked duration of time reaches a threshold level by driving the worktop through at least one vertical displacement that is perceptible to the workstation user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/285,939, filed Oct. 5, 2016, which is entitled “Height-AdjustableSupport Surface and System for Encouraging Human Movement and PromotingWellness” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/035,974, filed Sep. 25, 2013, and issued Nov. 8, 2016, as U.S. Pat.No. 9,486,070, which is entitled “Height-Adjustable Support Surface andSystem for Encouraging Human Movement and Promoting Wellness,” whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/795,222, filed Oct. 10, 2012, entitled “Height-Adjustable SupportSurface and System for Encouraging Human Movement and PromotingWellness”. This application claims priority to and incorporates byreference in its entirety each of the applications and patent referencedabove.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to devices and systems forbenefiting the health and efficiency of workers in a workplace, and moreparticularly, to height-adjustable support surfaces and other devices toencourage health-benefiting movement by the worker.

It is well known that the human body is designed to move and that we dobenefit from regular and frequent motion throughout all our activitiesduring each day. The efficiency and health of our circulatory system andour digestive system relies on almost constant movement throughout theday and night—even during our sleep. If a person sits in a chair at adesk for prolonged periods of time without stretching or standing hishead will tend to lean forward naturally to try to maintain corebalance, which will cause a muscle tone imbalance between the front andrear sides of the body. This results in a high risk of an increase ofspinal shrinkage and an increase of intra-disc pressure within theuser's spine. This can lead to muscle strain, muscle compression, nervecompression, tendon injury and ligament sprain at the shoulder, theneck, the upper limbs, and the back. This can further result in generalmusculoskeletal discomfort in the short term and more chronic upper andlower back pain and nerve-damage symptoms in the shoulder, the neck,arms and throughout the back (called: “repetitive strain injury”) in thelong term. Other health problems linked to a person regularly sittingfor long periods of time include the blocking of the returning flow ofvenous blood causing blood to accumulate in the legs, in particular inthe calves and ankles. Continued strain to such blood vessels will oftenlead to food edema, muscular discomfort in the legs, and varicosity.

Regardless of the specific injury that may result from sitting forextended periods of time, there is general consensus among physiciansand ergonomists that there are clear health benefits to a person whobreaks up their day with both periods of standing and periods of sittingat regular intervals.

For over two decades, a number of studies support this. For example, astudy by Paul and Helander (1995) found office workers with sedentaryjobs showing significantly more spinal shrinkage throughout the daycompared to those with less sedentary jobs. They also compared spinalshrinkage with office workers who stood in thirty minute sessions withthose who stood for fifteen minute periods. When the spine of each ofthese test subject workers was measured there was considerably lessshrinkage in those who stood for thirty minute intervals. Also, workersin the test that had spinal disorders prior to the test showed a greatervariability in the shrinkage pattern.

Another study by Winkle and Oxenburgh (1990) determined the benefits ofproviding active breaks (standing/moving) versus passive rest breaks(sitting) from the point of view of maintaining the health of musclesand the health of the spine. They found that alternating between sittingand standing was the most effective way to maintain a productiveworkflow and a healthy spine. The posterior wall of the inter-vertebraldisc sustains cumulative degenerative changes when exposed to prolongedperiods of high intra-disc pressure associated with flexed orsemi-flexed seated postures. In other words, if you sit for long periodsof time, you will be more likely to impart stress on your spine and, asa result, be uncomfortable. If you sit and then stand at regularintervals, you will not impart as much stress on your spine.

Nerhood and Thomson (1994) studied the introduction of sit-standworkstations at United Parcel Service (UPS). Results showed workersaveraged 3.6 adjustments to standing position per day and spent anaverage 23% of the time per day in a standing position. They found bodydiscomfort decreased by an average of 62% and the occurrence of injuriesand illnesses decreased by more than half.

Unfortunately for their health, a typical office worker is forced tospend most of their day working in an environment that demands verylittle body movement. Sitting in a chair at a desk for hours at a timeis not uncommon here and quite often the only movement such a workerwill experience while at work will stem from the rapid, albeit slightmovement of their fingers, hands and wrists as they operate theircomputers and phones while “comfortably” seated. A typical worker willnot only sit most of their day while at work, but also will sit duringtheir commute between work and home and also when eating their lunch.This may lead to them being in a seated position for upwards to 9-11hours each day, and often for long uninterrupted periods of time.

This health concern was addressed decades ago with the introduction of aso-called “Sit-Stand” desk—an electrically-powered desk whose workingsurface can be power-raised and lowered as desired by the user.Unfortunately, these early electric sit-stand desks were costprohibitive and not sufficiently commercially attractive for mostcompanies to adopt. Eventually however, these powered desks did findtheir way into the workplace in limited quantities to a select fewcompanies, such as high-end design firms and law firms.

A major problem with the early sit-stand desks and even those currentlyavailable today is that they lack intelligence. Yes, they can move upand down and up again, but only when commanded to do so by the user.Human nature prevails rather quickly and soon after the initial noveltyand fun wears off of having such a “cool” desk, the user either forgetsto raise or lower their desk at regular intervals throughout the day orsimply loses interest, typically ending up sitting the whole day, onceagain. Therefore in short time, the very expensive high-tech sit-standdesk becomes just a sit-desk, and apart from the cost, essentially nodifferent from the very desks it just replaced.

This problem was addressed to some degree in US Patent Publication No.:2008/0245279 of Chun Ming Pan, published Oct. 9, 2008, now abandoned andalso U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,695 of Borgman et al. Both of these patentreferences disclose height-adjustable workstations (so-called “sit-standdesks”) that have a working platform (a top) that can be selectivelyraised and lowered as desired by the user in a manual mode, and alsoraised and lowered automatically at predetermined intervals. The devicesdisclosed in these references do allow for a reminder to the user to sitand stand regularly, but the devices are still considered basic inoperation and lack intelligent operational software Like prior artheight-adjustable workstations, these workstations do not “read”biometrics of the user or take into account other environment conditionsthat can provide specific and meaningful data. Such data would enablethe up-down schedule of the height-adjustable workstation to adapt tothe user, both throughout the day and over time.

Applicants of the present application understand that the user's fitnessand habits will invariably change over time. Furthermore, Applicants ofthe present application have recognized a need for a “smart”height-adjustable workstation that responds to user-changes and otherconditions and parameters by adapting or modifying its operationaccordingly.

It is therefore a first object of the invention to overcome thedeficiencies of the prior art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a useful, affordablepower-assisted sit-stand desk that encourages and motivates regular use.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a power-assistedsit-stand desk that is able to measure or otherwise detect selectbiometrics of the user to help control current and future operation andfunctions.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a power-assistedsit-stand desk that senses and collects user data over time andcommunicates the same to a local display and to a second location forsecondary use.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a power-assistedsit-stand desk that controls its operation in response to the detectionof a user's presence.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a power-assistedsit-stand desk that controls operation in response to detection of soundwithin the immediate area of the desk.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a power-assistedsit-stand desk that allows height control in response to a single touchcommand by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A sit/stand workstation includes a worktop that has a powered drive andis moveable between a sitting height and a standing height. Anelectronic controller offers a user different operating modes, each withvarying levels of automation. In one such mode, the user inputs a valuethat represents a desired percentage of standing time over a givenperiod of time. The controller then uses user-profile information andthe inputted value to create an initial custom height-adjustmentschedule for the user. During use, the controller moves the worktop upand down following the schedule and uses sensors, such as a pressuremat, to detect how well the user follows the schedule and biometricindicators that convey fatigue and also energy. In response to thismonitored user-information, the controller changes time, duration,and/or frequency of the schedule to better meet the abilities andfitness of the user and also to help encourage the user to continueregular use. Sounds, voice, lights, colors, and numerical information,as well as displacement of the worktop are used to help encourage theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sit-stand workstation, accordingto the invention including a frame structure having two verticallydisplaceable legs each of which being attached to a base at a lower endand attached to a common support at an opposing upper end, a controlunit and a power cord system, the desk shown in a lowered position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG.1, shown in a raised position and showing a cord management box,according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG. 1shown in a lowered position, according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is side elevation view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG. 1shown in a lowered position, according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is side elevation view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG. 1shown in a raised position, according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the control unit, showing an input contactpad and a display, according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG.1 shown in a lowered position, according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective assembly view of the sit-standworkstation of FIG. 1, according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective assembly view of the sit-stand workstationof FIG. 8, according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sit-stand workstation of FIG. 1showing a pressure mat, according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is an electrical system schematic showing details of a controlunit and peripheral sensors and devices, in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective partial view of the sit-stand workstation ofFIG. 1, showing details of a power-cord tensioning assembly, accordingto another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Workstation Structure:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, a height-adjustable workstation 10is shown in accordance to the invention. The workstation is shown in alowered position in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 and in a raised position in FIGS.2 and 5. The term “workstation” refers to a desk or a table or any otherstructure that includes a work surface or otherwise supports a machineor device, and can be of any size or shape without departing from theinvention, described below. According to this preferred embodiment,workstation 10 includes a panel-like planar worktop 12, defining a worksurface 14 and an underside 16, a lower support frame that includes twosupporting pedestals 18 a, 18 b and two bases 20 a and 20 b, an uppersupport frame 22, a cord tensioning assembly 24, a control unit 26 andwire management box 27.

Worktop 12 includes a front edge 12 a, a rear edge 12 b, a left sideedge 12 c and a right side edge 12 d. Worktop 12 can be any size andshape and made from any appropriate strong and rigid material, such aswood, metal, glass, particle board, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF),High Density Fiberboard (HDF), reinforced plastic, or reinforcedcomposites and laminates, or combinations thereof, as is well known bythose skilled in the art. Since worktop 12 is meant to be raised andlowered at regular intervals, as described below, it is preferably madefrom a lightweight, rigid material with a durable work surface 14. Asmentioned above, worktop 12 can take on any shape, but as shown anddescribed in this application is preferably generally rectangularbetween about 4 feet and 6 feet long (measured between side edges 12 cand 12 d) and between about 26 and 36 inches deep (as measured alongeither side edge 12 c or 12 d). In this application, front edge 12 a isshown curved inwardly to accommodate the user.

Upper support frame 22 may be of any shape, but is preferably “H”shaped, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, and includes two side sections 23a, 23 b, connected to a central crossbar 30. These three parts arepreferably hollow-box-formed and made from steel or aluminum. Each partis welded to each other to form a structurally rigid single body anddefines an upper frame surface 32 and a lower frame surface 34. Asdescribed below, upper support frame 22 is connected to pedestals 18 a,18 b and provides a rigid connection between the two and also provides aconnecting platform to which the worktop 12 can be secured. Uppersupport frame 22 is preferably made hollow and includes a multitude ofwire ports 25 through which various wires and cords may selectively passbetween wire management box 27 (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, but shown inFIG. 7) and various electrical devices used either on the work surface14 or in the immediate area.

Each pedestal 18 a, 18 b is preferably of the type that includes two ormore vertically telescoping tubular sections and are each designed toselectively collapse and extend linearly between a lowest height,preferably about 20 inches, and a highest height, preferably about 48inches. At least one, but preferably both pedestals 18 a, 18 b includesa drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism is preferably locatedwithin the pedestal structure and can be electronically and accuratelydriven to control the exact magnitude of linear displacement (extensionor retraction), and therefore the exact height of worktop 12, asmeasured between the floor and work surface 14. The drive mechanismpreferable includes an electric motor (not shown) connected to a leadscrew (not shown) wherein the lead screw engages a threaded follower.The follower is mechanically secured to a rigid portion of the pedestalstructure so that as the motor rotates the lead screw, the follower isforced along the lead screw and in turn, causes linear displacement ofthe pedestal, as dictated by the sliding telescoping components of thepedestal.

Although the above arrangement is preferred, other mechanisms may beemployed to raise and lower the work surface 14, as those of ordinaryskill in the art are well aware, including a system of pulleys andcables, toothed belts, and/or appropriate bar linkages (e.g., four-barlinkages). Each of these systems may be used to effectively mechanicallylinearly displace each pedestal 18 a, 18 b, as instructed. Instead of anelectrical drive motor, the linear drive mechanism for linearlydisplacing the pedestals may alternatively be derived from anappropriate pneumatic or hydraulic drive system or a magnetic linearmotor, as understood by those skilled in the art. Appropriate lineardrive systems for pedestals 18 a, 18 b are commercially available byseveral companies, such as: Joyce/Dayton Corp. of Kettering, Ohio.Regardless of the drive mechanism used, the drive mechanism is able toselectively raise and lower worktop 12 with respect to the lower frame(and the floor).

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, and regardless of the type of drivemechanism used to control the linear displacement of each pedestal, alower end 19 a, 19 b (usually the telescoping section of largestdiameter) of each pedestal 18 a, 18 b, is mechanically secured to base20 a, 20 b and an upper end 21 a, 21 b is mechanically secured to uppersupport frame 22 using appropriate mechanical fastening means, such asbolts, welding, brazing, or friction (such as mechanical clamps), or acombination thereof, as long as the end result is that the each pedestal18 a, 18 b is firmly mechanically affixed to both base 20 a, 20 b andupper support frame 22 to create a stable and strong structure. Althoughnot shown, depending on the material and structural details of thedifferent components of work station 10 a cross bar may be required toensure a sturdy rigid structure that mitigates racking, listing andside-to-side wobbling.

Worktop 12 is secured to an upper side of upper support frame 22 usingany appropriate fastening means, such as screws, bolts, rivets, adhesiveor an appropriate mechanical friction means, such as clamping, so thatunderside 16 of worktop 12 contacts upper support frame 22 and so thatworktop 12 becomes firmly affixed to upper frame surface 32 of uppersupport frame 22.

Bases 20 a, 20 b, pedestals 18 a, 18 b, and upper support frame 22 areall preferably made from a strong rigid material, such as steel oraluminum, but other materials can be used for all or some of thesecomponents, including wood, other metals and metal alloys, composites,plastics, and even the use of glass is contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 10, work station 10 is shown according to anotherembodiment of the invention wherein a pressure-sensitive mat 36 isprovided, positioned on the floor in front of work station 10 andbetween bases 20 a, 20 b. Mat 36 includes appropriate circuitry (orother internal structure) to detect and measure isolated pressure withinpredetermined zones, preferably a right pressure zone 38 and a leftpressure zone 40, but other zones are contemplated. The circuitry usedwithin mat 36 is preferably a simple and reliable circuit, such as astrain-gauge system commonly used within conventional electronic scalesor even within the floor step-unit of a Wii gaming system, or thepressure mats used to operate the automatic door-opening mechanisms of agrocery store. Mat 36 is electrically connected to control unit 26,either directly using electrical cord 42, or wirelessly using a wirelesssystem (transmitter and receiver), such as Blue-Tooth®, other RF, orinfrared. Mat 36 is used to detect and measure the following, accordingto the invention:

a) If a person is located in front of workstation 10;

b) If that person is standing;

c) If that person is sitting;

d) The weight of that person (used to track the person's weight and alsocan be used as a user identifier); and

e) Fatigue, by detecting repeated and more frequent weight shift fromone foot or zone to the other.

Applicants further contemplate using mat 36 as an input device to helpthe user communicate to workstation 10, perhaps to raise or lower thework surface 14, or perhaps to cancel a planned height-change event, orto allow the user to perform a bit of exercise while standing, similarin concept to the Wii gaming system.

Also, mat 36 can include transducers (not shown) that would generatemechanical vibration in response to received signals sent to mat 36 fromcontrol unit 26 as a means for workstation 10 to communicate to or alertthe user. Mat 36 is preferably made from a strong durable material, suchas plastic, or rubber or composite and is powered by on-board batteries,or powered from a power unit located within workstation 10. Such matsare well known and the specific internal construction and internaloperational details are beyond the scope of this invention. A well-knownexample of a pressure sensitive mat switch is commonly used at grocerystores to detect the presence of a customer entering or exiting and tothen activate a motor-drive unit to automatically open the door.

Control Unit:

According to the present invention and referring to FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and11, control unit 26 is shown including a display and input unit 44, anupper touch pad 46 and a lower touch pad 48. Control unit 26 preferablyincludes a control circuit 50 having a microprocessor 52, memory 53, aBlue-Tooth® module 54, and a user interface 56. User interface includesa display 58, such as an LCD display, input switches 60, an audiocircuit 62 and status LED lights 64, all electrically connected tomicroprocessor 52 in a manner to provide the desired operation inaccordance to the present invention, as explained below. User-detectiontransponders, such as an ultrasonic range finder 66, a thermopile 68,pressure mat 36 (shown in FIG. 10 and described above), and a microphone70 are electrically connected to control circuit 50 so that electricalinput signals from these remote transponders can be considered duringoperational decisions of work station 10, as explained below. Electricalconnection of the above described components of control unit 26 are wellknown by those of ordinary skill in the art and are therefore notdescribed in any great detail here.

A motor control circuit 72 is used to drive each drive motor 74 inresponse to electrical command signals from the connected controlcircuit 50, as described below. Motor control circuit 72 may be locatedwithin each respective pedestal, 18 a, 18 b, adjacent to each motorlocated therein. As explained above, drive motors 74 are used to raiseand lower work surface 14, as needed. Control circuit 50 furtherincludes various connectors that allow peripheral and other devices tobe hard-wire connected to control circuit 50 and therefore tomicroprocessor 52, as desired or as necessary for proper operation.

As mentioned above, user interface includes display 58, input switches60, an audio circuit 62 and status LED lights 64. Display 58 functionsto communicate to the user both alphanumerical data and visual dataduring use of workstation 10. In accordance with the present invention,display 58 preferably changes background color to help convey certaininformation regarding the operation of workstation 10, the performanceof the user, or to provide psychological encouragement or concern,depending on the on-going performance of the user. For example, if theuser is on target or within 5% of meeting his or her goals for timestanding, then display 58 will appear green. Following this example, ayellow color showing on display 58 will indicate a slight departure fromthe height-management schedule and a red color could show for a shortperiod of time if and when a particular scheduled raising event iscancelled by the user. Display 58, according to the invention is alsoused to indicate various numerical information during the setup andoperation of workstation 10, such as any inputted data including theuser's weight, height and age, the date, the time, etc., and variousoperational data, such as current height of the work surface, currenttime and date, and desired and current standing time in percentage orhours and minutes. Display 58 can also indicate an estimate of currentcalories burned for that day, calories burned for the month, etc. andeven a rate of calorie-burn at any given time. For encouragement,Applicants contemplate calculating and displaying an equivalent “agenumber” as an estimate of improved health that the user would beconsidered equal to, a kind of representative fitness indicator. Thenumber would be displayed automatically if the number shows a youngerage than that of the user, and displayed by request regardless of theage.

Input switches (or buttons) 60 are used to allow the user to inputinformation and control different functions and modes during theoperation of workstation 10. Input switches 60 can be any conventionaltype electric switch, such as a simple momentary push-button membraneswitch, a capacitive-controlled “touch-sensitive” contact switch, oreven as an “on-screen” switch, provided within display 58 as atouch-screen input device. Regardless of the type of switches used,Applicants recognize the need of a sealed user interface to prevent orat least discourage dirt, dust, crumbs, or any liquids from reaching anyinternal circuitry of control unit 26.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least two inputswitches are large capacitive-controlled “touch-sensitive” contactsurface pads, a move-up lower touch pad 48 located on the underside 16of worktop 12, and a move-down upper touch pad 46 located on worksurface 14 of worktop 12. According to this embodiment, if a user justtouches move-up lower touch pad 48 with his hand, the “switch” would“close” and this condition would be instantly detected by microprocessor52 during routine interrogation, which would then immediately send asignal to motor control circuit 72, which would, in-turn, cause drivemotors 74 to automatically activate to raise worktop 12. The fact thatmove-up lower touch pad 48 is located under worktop 12 allows the user'shand to move up with the table, giving the user a better sense ofcontrol since the user's hand rising with the table would effectively belifting the table. This arrangement provides effective bio-feedback tothe user. Similarly, having the move-down switch located on the top ofthe table allows the user's hand to move down with the table.

Applicants contemplate providing each up/down capacitive switches withan adjacent momentary pressure membrane switch. This arrangement, forexample would allow the user to raise or lower the worktop 12 at a firstspeed just by lightly touching the capacitive switch and thenselectively increase the rate of height displacement by pressing thesame switch a bit harder so that the adjacent pressure membrane switchis activated. Control circuit 50 would be programmed to control thespeed of the motors in response to the detected condition of both thecapacitive switch and the pressure switch for both up and downdirections. The switch can be in the form of a touch-screen wherein agraphic switch or similar can be displayed on the screen to convey aswitch function. The user merely has to touch the screen on the switchgraphic to effectively generate a “start” command, which is sent to thecontrol circuit (the “start” command may not necessary be generated bythe switch itself, but may instead be created within the control circuitin response to detecting that the switch has been activated—either movedto cause the worktop to move up or down or change speeds, as understoodby those skilled in the art). Once the control circuit “receives” thestart command, the control circuit sends a signal to motor controlcircuit 72, which would, in-turn, cause drive motors 74 to automaticallyactivate to raise worktop 12.

One Touch Operation:

According to another embodiment of this invention, control circuit 50and the controlling software program is such that the user only has totouch either the upper touch pad 46 or the lower touch pad 48 a singletime to instruct the microprocessor 52 to activate drive motors 74 tomove worktop 12 either up or down to a preset or predetermined height.In this arrangement, the user only has to touch the touch pad (46 or 48)a single time and then release (just a tap or a swipe with the finger orpalm). This feature is unlike conventional sit-stand workstations of theprior art which require that the user hold the switch constantly for themotor to remain activated during the travel of the worktop to thedesired height. The prior art workstations use this continuous hold-downrequirement as a safety feature so that the worktop does notaccidentally hit anything during its movement.

The pedestals of the present invention preferably include an automaticsafety cutoff system which will automatically deactivate drive motors 74instantly should any part of workstation 10 contact an obstructionduring movement. Such a cutoff system can be Piezo-electric based, orbased on IR proximity type sensors, or other type of sensors, asunderstood by those skilled in the art, as long as the sensors candetect or otherwise determine that a portion of workstation 10 maycontact with or otherwise damage an object or injure a person duringlowering and that in such instance, the lowering movement will eitherstop or not start to begin with. Also, this feature requires that theuser preset the upper and lower height-stops so that the control circuit50 knows when to stop displacement once activated. If worktop 12 islocated at its lowest height, as preset by the user during initialsetup, and the user touches touch pad (46 or 48), control circuit 50will drive the motors to raise worktop 12 until it reaches the highestpreset height. Similarly, if the user touches touch pad (46 or 48)again, worktop 12 will descend to the lowest preset height. Now, ifworktop 12 is located at some intermediate height somewhere between thepreset highest and lowest height-stops, then it is preferred that thesingle-touch feature not activate. In such instance it is preferred thatthe user manually raise or lower worktop 12 to either the highest orlowest preset height-stops to reactivate the single-touch feature. Thisis because the system won't know if the single touch command is meant toraise or lower the worktop. As an alternative here, instead ofpreventing the single-touch feature from operating if the worktop islocated at an intermediate position, the control circuit 50 can displaya confirmation request on display 58 before a height-displacementoccurs, such as “Tap upper pad once to confirm to move up—Tap upper padtwice to confirm to move down” . . . or words to that effect.

According to another embodiment of the invention relating to theabove-described single-touch feature, the user may touch upper touch pad46 once, as before, to activate the drive motor and move the worktop upor down. If the worktop is located at the highest (preset) position, thesingle-touch input will cause the worktop to descend to a preset lowerposition, where the drive motor will automatically stop. If the worktopis located at the lowest (preset) position, the single-touch input willcause the worktop to ascend to a present higher position, again wherethe drive motor will automatically stop. If the worktop is located atany intermediate height (between the uppermost and lowermost presetpositions) the user's single-touch command will cause the worktop toautomatically ascend (by default) advancing towards the upper presetposition. If the user really wanted the table to descend instead, he orshe just taps the upper touch pad 46 once to stop the ascending worktopand once more to cause the worktop to reverse direction and descend tothe lowermost position. In this arrangement, as the user taps the uppertouch pad, the motor will follow the same pattern: first tap, go up,second tap, stop, third tap, go down, fourth tap, stop, fifth tap, goup, etc.

To prevent accidental activation of the motor drive, thesingle-touch-to-activate operation can actually be a quick double-touch(like the “double-click” of computer mouse buttons) or a prolongedsingle-touch (or some other pattern of touching) to prevent accidentalmotor activation. With a single touch operation, the user may findthemselves accidentally touching the upper touch pad 46, which can proveto be annoying. The user may set up the tap-to-move feature to operateas follows:

a) Which direction will the worktop move when the touch pad is touched(up or down);

b) How many taps is required to activate the movement (what is the tappattern—single tap, double tap, long duration tap, etc.); and

c) Which touch pad is to be used in this mode, the upper touch pad 46,the lower touch pad 48, or both.

According to yet another embodiment of this invention relating to theabove-described single-touch feature, the user may single-touch theupper touch pad 46 to cause the worktop 12 to auto-move down to thelower preset position and single-touch the lower touch pad 48 to causethe worktop 12 to auto-move up to the upper preset position. In thisarrangement, the single-touch feature will work regardless of the heightposition of the worktop.

According to another embodiment of the invention, Applicants contemplatethat control circuit 50 will recognize when a user touches both uppertouch pad 46 and lower touch pad 48. This action can be used to cancel aheight-displacement event, or cancel a mode or provide an input responseto a selection request.

Status LED lights 64 are preferably provided to convey selectoperational information, such as confirmation of a switch event(confirming to the user that the control circuit has detected theactivation of a particular switch), power on, and perhaps a blinking orbrighter condition to indicate when the table top is in motion up ordown.

Apart from the above-described mat 36 which, as described can be used todetect the immediate presence of a user, ultrasonic range finder 66, anda thermopile 68 (such as Passive Infrared—PR) can also be used to detectwhen a user is nearby. Such detection allows important features of thepresent workstation to function, including:

a) Only operating drive motors 74 when a user's presence is detected (asafety feature);

b) Driving drive motors 74 to allow worktop 12 to move quickly up anddown as a greeting (and also as a reminder to use the sit/standoperation of workstation 10) when a user first arrives at theworkstation, perhaps in the morning; and

c) To only calculate stand-time by the user when the user is actuallypresent at the workstation.

Microphone 70 (and voice-recognition circuitry) is preferably includedwith the present workstation 10 so that control circuit 50 is able todetermine if the user is speaking, perhaps on the telephone, or with acolleague. If such determination is made, it is preferred that controlcircuit 50 will postpone any table top movement during this time. Wedon't want to surprise or otherwise bother or interrupt the user when itis likely that he or she is busy.

Microprocessor 52 is instructed by a software program stored in onboardread-only memory. According to the present invention, the software iswritten to control the work-height of the table top in one of thefollowing modes described in the following paragraphs

Manual Mode:

This mode simply controls the up-down operation in response to themanual instructions by the user. When the user commands it, the controlcircuitry responds, the motors are driven and the table top isrepositioned until the user releases the up/down switch, or as describedabove, the motors will automatically reposition worktop 12 from thelowest height stop to the highest height stop without having the user tohold onto the upper touch pad 46, or the lower touch pad 48.

Semi Auto Mode:

This mode provides automatic operation of the table top. The user inputs(as a percentage) how much of the time of use of the sit/stand desk heor she wishes to stand. For example, during an 8 hour period of use,worktop 12 will be in the raised position 25% of the time, meaning thatthe user will be standing for 2 hours during that time. Control circuit50 will provide a height-adjustment schedule for this time period sothat the user will be asked to stand a total time of 2 hours (or 25%)over the 8 hour period. Of course the actual stand time will be dividedup during the 8 hours and will preferably follow a predetermined orrandom schedule. In this mode, control circuit 50 will signal to theuser that a height-adjustment event is imminent, but will not carry outthe height-adjustment until the user confirms that he or she approves.The user therefore effectively remains aware of the height-adjustmentevents during the day, but can override any event by either notconfirming at the time of an event, or by actively cancelling theparticular event. The user remains in control, but control circuit 50encourages the user to keep to the sit and stand schedule by remindingthe user when each height-adjustment event should occur to meet thepre-established goal. When the user cancels an event or manually changesthe height of the worktop, control circuit 50 will automatically adjustthe remaining schedule to account for the user's override and ensurethat the user meets the standing goal (in this example, 25%). Cancelinga height-adjustment event is similar to using the “snooze” button tocancel an alarm. It does not cancel the mode. The control circuit willcontinue to remind the user of future height-adjustment events, as theycome up. According to this semi auto mode, when the worktop is meant todisplace vertically during a height-adjustment, the present system willprompt the user by a “whisperbreath” worktop movement, as describedbelow and request permission. When the user senses this movement of theworktop, he or she will understand that it is time for aheight-adjustment event and that the workstation is requestingpermission to carry out the adjustment. The user can either accept ordecline this request, as described above.

Full Auto Mode:

This mode moves worktop 12 up and down following a height-adjustmentevent schedule. The schedule in this mode can either be generated by thecontrol unit, in response to some initial inputs by the user, or set upby the user entirely. During use in this mode, when an event is to takeplace, the control unit will alert the user that a height-adjustment isimminent (for example, by activating worktop in a “whisperbreath”movement, as described below). The user does not have to confirm or doanything. After a prescribed period of time (a few seconds), the controlunit will send a “Start” command to activate the drive mechanism, toraise or lower the worktop, as scheduled. The user can, at any time,cancel the height-adjustment movement by contacting the touch pads 46,48. If the user cancels the event prior to movement, then worktop willremain at the same height and the schedule will be updated to accountfor the cancelled event. If the user cancels the event during the event(when the worktop is moving, the movement will stop). The user can thencontact the touch pads 46, 48 another time to return worktop to thestart height prior to the event.

According to this full auto mode, when the worktop is meant to displacevertically during a height-adjustment, the present system will promptthe user. When the user senses this movement of the worktop, he or shewill understand that a height-adjustment is imminent, unless he or shewishes to cancel the event.

Adaptive Operation:

In either full or semi auto modes, an important feature of the presentsystem is that it will adapt to the behavior of the user so that futureoperation of the workstation will better match the user's fitness level.This will encourage continued use of the workstation and therefore,continued fitness and wellness.

For example, the user programs workstation 10 to be fully raised 40% ofthe time during a period of operation (a full work day for example). Butduring operation, control circuit 50 detects that the user is shiftinghis or her weight side to side at more frequent intervals, as detectedby the right and left pressure zones 38, 40 of mat 36, or by othersensors. This can indicate that the user is getting tired standing. Inresponse to this potential fatigue by the user, control circuit 50adjusts the height-adjustment event schedule so that worktop 12 willonly be fully raised perhaps 30% of the time, taking into account theshortened time remaining of the period of operation during therecalculation.

In this example, the workstation of the present invention learned andadapted to a changing user behavior, as detected by its sensors. Duringuse, the user appeared to be getting tired at the set stand time of 40%so the present system automatically reduced the goal to 30% to bettermatch the fitness of the user. The workstation, according to the presentinvention uses sensors and data to “get to know” its user and adaptaccordingly. In the above example, perhaps control circuit 50 can changethe duration that the table resides at the full up position from 60minutes to 30 minutes so that the user will be less fatigued during eachstanding period. The duration for each full down condition can also beadjusted to better adapt to the user. Continuing with this example,should the user show more fatigue in the future, the present system willagain reduce the standing time until a balance is found, wherein theextra work required by the user to stand matches the condition of theuser. Once this balance is determined, the present system can establisha schedule that matches the user's ability and fitness and can slowlywork with the user to improve the user's strength, fitness and wellnessover time. Similarly, control circuit 50 can adjust the duty cycle ofeach event to more closely fit the user's ability. As the user of theabove example improves their fitness over time, the present system willdetect this and will again adapt, but this time by increasing thestanding duration, decreasing the sitting duration, and perhapsincreasing the frequency of height adjustment events.

The learning feature of the present invention also learns basic workhabits of the user, such as when the user goes to lunch each day, whenhe or she arrives and when he or she leaves. The system, according tothe present invention may confirm trends over longer periods of timeregarding the user. For example, the user may appear to be a bit moretired on Mondays owing to the number of cancelled raisingheight-adjustment events (and other measured or sensed factors) andperhaps even the measured amount of time it takes the user to transitionfrom sitting to standing. The controlling system of the presentinvention uses this information to adjust the height-adjustment eventschedule accordingly so that the system works with the user's detectedstrength and endurance, during the day, the week, and over longerperiods of time. Over time, while using the present workstation in thismode, the height-adjustment event schedule and user-prompts on thescreen will work to encourage the user and/or modify the amount of timesitting to help achieve long-term health benefits.

Other considerations can be used to influence the duration and frequencyof height-adjustment events during the time period. Such information,such as general profile information, including the user's age, weight,overall health and answers to such set-up questions as:

1) Are you a morning person?

2) Do you exercise in the morning?

3) Do you have any injuries?

4) Do you have a heart condition? How much do you weigh?

5) About how many miles do you walk each day? What do you eat for atypical lunch?

6) Do you eat breakfast?

Other considerations may include performance data gathered early onduring the day. For example, if the user is asked to stand for aduration of 1 hour and after just 15 minutes control circuit 50 readsdata from mat 36 and determines that the user is shifting their weightfrom one leg to the other at an increasing frequency, then controlcircuit 50 will re-evaluate the duration and the schedule willautomatically change to accommodate the learned ability and apparenthealth of the user. The system is designed to learn over the short termand the long term the particulars and improvements of the user so that aheight-adjustment schedule can be created to benefit the user over along period of time. In the above example, the schedule would change toshorten the stand—duration and if the user response continues to conveysigns of weakness or fatigue, the system will either suggest a lowertotal stand time (perhaps 20%), or will just automatically adjust thepercentage regardless.

According to the invention, when control circuit 50 is set in either theabove-described automatic or semi-automatic mode, the present systemwill automatically adapt to the particular user and will change theduration, the frequency of the height-adjustment events, and the totalstand time over the period of use in response to the user's measuredbehavior, as they use the desk. As described elsewhere in thisapplication, if the user shows fatigue, for example, by rocking side toside, alternating putting his or her weight on his or her left and rightfoot, the present system will detect this (using mat 36 or othersensors). When this fatigue is detected, control circuit 50 will changethe parameters of the height-adjustment schedule to better fit thecondition of the user. The present desk is meant to work with the user,nudging them along with encouragement to follow an adaptive sit—standschedule to thereby maximize fitness and wellness. Examples of suchuser-behaviors include:

Measured Behavior Response to Behavior Fatigue of User Decrease Amountof Stand Time Strength of User Increase Amount of Stand Time Patterns ofHeight-Change Event Avoid those Times for Height-Change User is NotDetected at Desk Do Not Change Height of Desk Downloaded FitnessInformation Adjust Stand Time Accordingly

Overtime, the present system will better understand “who” the userreally is, and based on these measured behaviors and otherconsiderations, the present workstation can adapt its operationaccordingly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, externaldevices, such as cell phones, computers and exercise-monitoring devicescan be connected, either wirelessly, or by electrical connection to thecontrol unit. An example of an exercise-monitoring device is a Fitbit®,made by Fitbit, Inc. of San Francisco, Ca. 94105. This particular devicemeasures various parameters by a user during their movement, includingthe number of steps taken, the number of miles walked, the number ofstairs climbed, and an estimate of calories burned. This information canbe downloaded to the present workstation and used to determine themeasured behavior of the user so that the workstation can take thisinformation into account when determining the height-adjustment schedulefor the user for the day.

Whisperbreath Movement of Worktop:

As described above, in either the fully auto mode or the semi-auto mode,the user is notified by display 58 and/or by smooth, small up and downheight-displacements of worktop 14. This smooth up and down motion ofthe worktop 14 is known to the Applicants as a “whisperbreath” movementand is an important feature of the present invention. The movementprovides a means to communicate to the user of the workstation in arelatively calm and non-interrupting manner. The amplitude of verticaldisplacement and the frequency is preferably calculated to mimic thebreathing amplitude and frequency of a relaxed human. This frequency hasbeen determined to be about 16 cycles per minute and the preferredvertical displacement of worktop 14 is about 1 inch (measured from peakto valley).

According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, whenever aheight-adjustment event is about to occur in the auto-mode, the worktopof the present workstation will perform a whisperbreath movement (gentlymoving up and down) to inform the user that the worktop is about tomove. In the above-described semi-auto mode, this movement will be usedto indicate to the user that the workstation is requesting permission(prompting the user) to make a height-adjustment and the user mustauthorize the movement by contacting the display panel with his or herhand, using the pre-established tactile gesture, such as a single ordouble tap, or perhaps a swipe. Although this whisperbreath movement ispreferably used alone to prompt the user, as described above, thismovement can be supplemented with a sound. Also, if the user ignores thegentle movement of the worktop 12, the frequency and amplitude can bechanged by control circuit 50 to a less-than-peaceful movement to betterget the user's attention.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the user receives workstation 10 for thefirst time and powers it up, workstation 10 will greet the user by theabove-described whisperbreath movement of worktop 12. According to oneembodiment of this feature, this greeting movement will be repeated oncea day when the user first arrives, as detected by mat 36, proximitytransducer or some other sensors. According to another embodiment, thissame movement, or a similar one can be used to get the user's attentionat any time during the period of use (e.g., during the day at theoffice). As mentioned above, the characteristics of this whisperbreathmovement can vary so that more than one movement can be used to indicatedifferent things. As mentioned above, a greeting movement can berelatively quick (almost indicating “happiness” to see the user). Thismovement can therefore have a relatively quick cycle time, perhapsmoving up about ½ inch and then slowly down 1 inch and then quickly up 1inch and finally slowly down ½ inch. Another unique movement can bedescribed as moving up and down 1/10 inch very quickly, essentially avibration. This quicker movement could perhaps be used to convey moreurgent messages to the user. Another signature movement could be asingle quick downward movement of perhaps ¼ inch. It is contemplatedthat the user's cell phone can be “connected” (by Bluetooth®, or other)to control circuit 50 and the alert movement of the desk can be used toalert the user of certain cell phone events, such as incoming call,email or text, etc. The desk movement can also be used in connectionwith software programs running on a nearby computer, such as Microsoft'sOutlook®, wherein, for example, the movement can alert the user of anupcoming meeting. Other electronic devices can be connected to controlunit 26 so that these devices may cause a whisperbreath movement tooccur. Such devices include a smoke or fire alarm, a doorbell and aremote security device. For example, if a nearby smoke alarm isactivated, a signal could be transmitted to the user's workstation tocause the worktop to alert the user by rapid movement of the worktop.Any amplitude or frequency or sequence can be used to create uniquemovements for any of a variety of alerts to the user. The generalamplitude range for these dips is between about 1/16 inch to about 1inch (measured peak-to-peak).

In use, during initial setup of workstation 10, according to oneembodiment of the invention, the user is asked to answer severalquestions that appear on display 58 and also to input several bits ofinformation, such as the use's age, date, time, the user's name, weight,height, build and other. The user will then be asked to manually raiseworktop 12 to a height that the user considers to be a comfortablemaximum height for standing. When the desired height is reached, theuser holds lower touch pad 48 until control circuit 50 flashes statusLED lights 64 and audio circuit 62 beeps (and perhaps the worktopwhisperbreath movements). The user will repeat this process for settingthe desired lowest worktop height (i.e., sitting)

Control circuit 50 will then continue the set up by asking the user toselect a percentage-standing value, such as 25% so that later when “SemiAuto Mode” or “Full Auto Mode” are selected, workstation 10 can operateimmediately under the predetermined guidelines of either of these twomodes. The user will also have to input the average consecutive timespent at the workstation. These values can be adjusted either by theuser, or automatically as control circuit 50 adapts to user conditionsand user behavior patterns over time.

Applicants further contemplate an alternative set up process where afterthe user inputs the above-mentioned information, the user is encouragedto use workstation 10 in a manual mode for a period of time, perhaps aweek. During this time, control circuit 50 will keep track of thedifferent worktop heights, duration at those heights and frequency ofheight-adjustment event and then use this information to determinehighest height stop, the lowest height stop, and a baseline healthvalue. From this information, control circuit 50 can create a moreaccurate height-adjustment schedule when the user selects Full Auto Modeor Semi Auto Mode later on. The computer will know (eventually, as itlearns) if the user is not very fit and will start a plan that is lessstrenuous to the user, offering perhaps a schedule that asks the user tostand 15% during the work day time period. The computer monitors how theuser is able to handle this plan over the next week or two and thenslowly increases the standing time and/or frequency of the sit-standevents. If the user starts overriding the automatic events set by thecomputer, either cancelling or extending the duration or frequency, thecomputer would detect this and make adjustments to the event scheduleaccordingly. Applicants recognize that an important feature here is toensure that the user is not discouraged by using the present workstationaccording to the invention and follows the prescribed height-adjustmentevent schedule as closely as possible.

An important goal of the present invention is to provide a sit/standdesk (and other devices) that encourage a user to get fit and stayhealthy. As mentioned above, the present invention uses sound, by soundeffects and voice (words of encouragement, etc.), lights (differentcolors displayed on display 58 to convey different levels of success andencouragement), or numerically, by displaying a numerical value ondisplay 58 to convey levels of success or honest levels of currenthealth.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, to encourage thenew user to just get started, the workstation 10 is immediatelyoperational and will automatically follow a preset level of standingtime, such as 15%. The user will be able to “play” with the heights toadjust the preferred heights during initial use, when the user wants to.The control circuit 50 will keep track of all adjustments and willslowly fine-tune the user's operational parameters. The presentworkstation 10 will ask the user questions over a period of time, suchas a week, including the use's age, date, time, the user's name, weight,height, build and other. This way, Applicants believe that because theuser will not feel like there is a set up period and they can use theworkstation immediately, they will feel better connected to theworkstation with develop a feeling of trust and oneness, which can onlyencourage prolonged use of the workstation and a healthy outcome.

Wire Management:

Since work station 10 commonly supports electronic equipment on worktop12, such as a computer and monitor, it is important to provide a sourceof power for such devices located on worktop 12. The challenge is tomanage the power cable as it follows the worktop up and down during theoperation of workstation 10. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 and according toa preferred embodiment of the invention, a cord tensioning assembly 24is shown including a stationary pulley wheel 28 and a tensioning weight29. Pulley wheel 28 is secured to either pedestal 18 a, 18 b (shown inthe figures secured to pedestal 18 a) at a portion that remainsstationary with respect to base 20 a as worktop 12 moves up and downduring the operation of workstation 10. Pulley wheel 28 is preferablycircular in shape, like a conventional pulley and includes acircumferential groove that is sized and shaped to receive a power cord31. Pulley wheel 28 is preferably about 2-3 inches in diameter and ismounted to leg 18 a so that the center of pulley wheel is located about2 to 3 inches away from leg 18 a.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and 12, power cord 31 is fed into either base20 a, 20 b (shown fed into base 20 a in the figures) and directed up tothe groove of pulley wheel 28. According to the present invention,tensioning weight 29 is preferably pulley shaped and includes a groove35 that is sized to receive power cord 31. Power cord 31 extends up toupper support frame 22 and is provided with slack so that a loop 33 isformed. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, tensioning weight 29 is positionedwithin this loop so that power cord 31 is effectively captured withingroove 35 halfway around the pulley-shaped weight, thereby holdingtensioning weight in place. As worktop 12 moves up and down during use,the power cord loop 33 changes size, but since tensioning weight 29 isalways secured within loop 33, its weight will keep power cord 31 tautand the loop managed so that power cord 31 does not get tangled withnearby objects. The exact weight of tensioning weight 29 will depend onthe type and flexibility of the power cord used, but it is expected tobe between 8 ounces and one pound, sufficient to keep power cord 31 tautand straight regardless of the height of worktop 12, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5. Power cord 31 is preferably fed through hollow portions of uppersupport frame 22 and connected to an outlet strip of several poweroutlets (can be conventional) and perhaps other communicationconnectors, which is positioned within wire management box 27. Wiremanagement box 27 is secured to underside 16 of worktop 12 so that itmoves up and down with any vertical displacement of worktop 12 duringoperation of workstation 10. Therefore, any electrically powered devicelocated on work surface 14 or worktop 12 can be easily and effectivelyplugged into one of the outlets located within wire management box 27without fear of entanglement during operation of workstation 10.

Communication:

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, useruse-data can be collected and stored by control circuit 50. Following apredetermined download schedule, control circuit 50 can use theBlue-Tooth® module 54 (or WIFI) to link up with the Internet eitherdirectly or through the user's computer and transmit the stored useruse-data to remote servers for product validity and user evaluation.Applicants contemplate providing a service for users wherein qualifiedpersonnel may review the user use-data and other user-profileinformation, fitness history to help recommend a refined fitnessschedule to allow the user to better reach their fitness goals. In suchinstance, two-way communication between the remote servers and theuser's workstation may occur through the Internet and either theBlue-Tooth® module 54, a WIFI connection, or perhaps a hard wireconnection. The remote servers can also use this communication link toprovide firmware updates as necessary. This communication feature wouldallow the user to receive weekly or monthly reports showing healthimprovement, total times standing and equivalent calories burned daily,weekly and total to date, as well as other collected and monitored data.The user would hopefully look forward to receiving their “report card”and would be encouraged to stay with their schedule.

All user-inputted data and settings and collected data can beautomatically backed-up at a remote memory location so that theappropriate data and settings can be recalled if necessary, such as ifthe user disconnects all power to workstation 10 or upgrades to anotherworkstation 10.

Improvements in Workstation-User Sensing:

According to previous embodiments described in this patent application,mat 36, ultrasonic range finder 66, thermopile 68 (such as a passiveinfrared—PIR), and microphone 70 are used independently or in anycombination to detect when a user is nearby or adjacent to theworkstation (i.e., “is present”). Such user-detection allows importantfeatures of the workstation to function, including:

a) Only operating drive motors 74 when a user's presence is detected (asafety feature);

b) Driving drive motors 74 to allow worktop 12 to move quickly up anddown as a greeting (and also as a reminder to use workstation 10) when auser first arrives at the workstation, as detected by the sensors andperhaps in the morning; and

c) To only calculate stand-time by the user when the user is actuallypresent at the workstation, again as detected by the user.

Applicants have further contemplated that it would be beneficial for theworkstation of this invention to not only ‘know” when a person ispresent at the workstation, but more particularly, to either know if andwhen the “primary user” of the workstation is present at theworkstation, or if not the primary user, to know the identity of whoeveris using the particular workstation, perhaps a coworker, the user'sboss, or other.

If local sensors cannot accurately detect the presence of the primaryuser, the workstation will assume that any detected person using theprimary user's workstation is in fact the primary user and may respondby switching from standby mode to an operational mode. Such a falsedetection could lead to inaccurate collected data and would likelyresult in the workstation poorly meeting the true needs of the primaryuser. Also, the collected data will yield inaccurate and unreliabletrends and statistics of the assumed primary user.

To overcome this potential problem and according to another embodimentof the invention, workstation 10, includes any combination of severalsensors, including the above-described mat 36, ultrasonic range finder66, and thermopile 68 and uses them to create and store an “electronicsignature” of a select primary user (the person who regularly uses theparticular workstation). This “smart sensing” arrangement allows thepresent system to accurately determine when a particular person ispresent at the workstation at any given time and who that person is (or,depending on how the system is set up, to determine who that person isnot). For example, a primary user may have habits that can be repeatedlydetected by the system, electronically stored within electronic memory,electronically compared and used to ID the current user, or at leastused to determine when the person present at the workstation has asignature that is stored within the system. Such habits may include aunique standing pattern (e.g., the user may consistently stand between 2and 4 inches from the edge of the worktop 12), having a strong andunique body heat pattern that is located at a specific region of thefield of view of the sensors, the type of music that the user plays, theuser's voice, any tapping the user does against the worktop, theselected height of the worktop 12, or the user's time schedule or knownroutine. According to one of the embodiments, one of the sensors is aBluetooth® (or similar) controlled sensor that is able to accuratedetect and read an RFID located on the user's body, such as embeddedwithin the user's building ID badge.

If other workers (non-primary users) in the office stop by to visit theprimary user's workstation when the primary user is not at theworkstation, the sensor array located within and adjacent to theworkstation will detect electronic parameters that are particular to thevisitor and will store this information along with the time of thevisit, the duration of the visit, the visitor's name (if determined bythe workstation), the date, and perhaps how much the visitor weighs. Byproviding “smart sensing”, the workstation according to this embodimentof the invention can detect and generate a visitor's and user's log forreview by the primary user upon his or her return. Additionally, theworkstation can automatically activate a flash-memory voice-recorderwhen requested to do so by any of the visitors so that the visitor mayleave a voice message for the primary user.

By using “smart sensing” with each workstation located within a workenvironment, the smart sensing system, according to this embodiment ofthe invention may collect all sensed information and may use thisinformation to help track workers efficiency and attendance. It is notApplicant's desire to create a sensing system that will collectinformation on the workers of a company to benefit “Big Brother” or tobe used against any particular worker, but instead to use this collectedinformation to provide general statistical data regarding a group ofworkers, such as, what is the average “desk-occupancy” of the workers inthe engineering department.

Such “smart sensing” of the present workstation can additionally be usedfor the following:

1. The collected information can be used to determine which employeesare in attendance at a company on any given day, such as engineers, CADpeople, sourcing, designers, etc.) to help management manage dailyresources and work distribution.

2. The collected information can be used to automatically keep track ofbilling by determining which workers are working at their desk and forhow long each day to improve efficiency and billing accuracy.

3. The collected information can be used to better manage telecommuting,sick-leave, vacations, lunch hours and even smoking breaks.

4. The collected information can be used to learn trends and routinesand help the primary user plan ahead for the day's events. For example,as lunchtime on Wed approaches, the system can provide the primary usera list of menus or other information of local restaurants and can eventap into Internet resources to provide wait-time information. Otheruseful information includes traffic reports or train schedules or traindelays, and even weather. This information can be automaticallydownloaded to the primary user's smart phone, if desired.

5. The collected information can also be used to measure the bodytemperature of the primary user in an effort to detect the onset of apotential illness, fever, or stress levels. The workstation can use thisinformation to change the sit-stand schedule or perhaps recommend thatthe user take a break, a vacation, or sick day. Other sensors can beused to measure the heart rate, or other vitals of the primary user.

6. The collected information can be used to power down any combinationor all electrical devices connected to or otherwise associated with theuser's workstation. For example, if the local sensors connected to theworkstation detect that the primary user is no longer at theworkstation, the system can turn off the desk lamp located on theworktop and put the computer into a sleep mode. Additionally, the systemcan turn on various and appropriate announcements on the phone, aspredetermined by the user.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the drive motors usedto raise and lower worktop 12 can be impulse drive so worktop 12 raisesor lowers a very small amount (as described in greater detail above),such as a couple of mm. According to this embodiment, this quickmovement can be used to help convey the passage of time, such asproviding a little “dip” movement every hour, or to alert the user thata scheduled even is soon approaching.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Thus, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims.

To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the followingclaims are made:

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a heightadjustable workstation that includes a worktop supported by a frame, aprocessor, at least one input control and a vertical displacement drivemechanism, the at least one user input control for receiving manualdirect user input from a workstation user to activate the drivemechanism to change the elevation of the worktop to different worktopelevation positions, the method comprising the steps of: without userinput through the at least one input control, sensing the presence of aworkstation user within a space associated with the workstation;tracking substantially an entire duration of time that the worktop is ina sitting position while the user is present within the space associatedwith the workstation during an ongoing period of time; and when thetracked duration of time reaches a threshold period, without user inputthrough the at least one input control, controlling the drive mechanismto provide a reminder to the user that the worktop height should bechanged from the sitting position to a standing position, the reminderprovided by controlling the drive mechanism to move the worktop throughat least one vertical displacement sequence to a position other than thestanding position wherein the range of the sequence is no greater than 5inches, the displacement sequence includes at least one of an upwarddisplacement and a downward displacement, at the end of the displacementsequence the worktop height is within one inch of the sitting position,wherein the duration of the at least one of an upward displacement and adownward displacement is less than 5 seconds, wherein the ongoing periodof time is at least 30 minutes and wherein the displacement sequence issubstantially continuous.
 2. The method of claim 1 further includingreceiving an acknowledgement of the reminder via the at least one inputcontrol from the workstation user.
 3. The method of claim 2 furtherincluding, upon receiving the acknowledgement, changing the height ofthe worktop from the sitting position to the standing position.
 4. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the acknowledgement includes the usercontinually activating the at least one input control until the worktopis moved from the sitting position to the standing position.
 5. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the step of receiving an acknowledgementincludes detecting a pre-established tactile gesture applied to the atleast one input control.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the worktopmovement indicates the occurrence of a scheduled worktop heightadjustment event at which time the worktop height should be adjustedfrom the sitting position to the standing position.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 further including the steps of performing a height-adjustmentschedule program that tracks sit and stand periods at the workstationand periodically provides height adjustment reminders to change from asitting to a standing position after scheduled periods of sitting andfrom a standing to a sitting position after a scheduled periods ofstanding.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cycle frequency is twelvecycles per minute or greater.
 9. A method for controlling a heightadjustable workstation that includes a worktop supported by a frame, aprocessor, at least one input control and a vertical displacement drivemechanism, the at least one user input control for receiving manualdirect user input from a workstation user to activate the drivemechanism to change the elevation of the worktop to different worktopelevation positions, the method comprising the steps of: without userinput through the at least one input control, sensing the presence of aworkstation user within a space associated with the workstation;tracking substantially an entire duration of time that the worktop is ina sitting position while the user is present within the space associatedwith the workstation during an ongoing period of time; and when thetracked duration of time reaches a threshold period, without user inputthrough the at least one input control, controlling the drive mechanismto provide a reminder to the user that the worktop height should bechanged from the sitting position to a standing position, the reminderprovided by controlling the drive mechanism to move the worktop throughat least one vertical displacement sequence to a position other than thestanding position wherein the range of the sequence is no greater than 5inches, the displacement sequence includes at least one of an upwarddisplacement and a downward displacement, at the end of the displacementsequence the worktop height is within one inch of the sitting position,wherein the duration of the at least one of an upward displacement and adownward displacement is less than 5 seconds, wherein the step of movingthe worktop through at least one vertical displacement sequence includesdriving the worktop substantially continuously up and down again throughat least one vertical cycle wherein the cycle amplitude is less that orequivalent to five inches.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the cycleamplitude is within a range that is less than or equivalent to one inch.11. The method of claim 9 wherein the second of the upward displacementand the downward displacement commences within less than five seconds ofthe end of completion of the first of the upward displacement and thedownward displacement.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the durationof the upward displacement is at least one and two thirds seconds. 13.The method of claim 9 wherein the ongoing period of time is at least 30minutes and wherein the displacement sequence is substantiallycontinuous.
 14. A method for controlling a height adjustable workstationthat includes a worktop supported by a frame, a processor, at least oneinput control and a vertical displacement drive mechanism, the at leastone user input control for receiving manual direct user input from aworkstation user to activate the drive mechanism to change the elevationof the worktop to different worktop elevation positions, the methodcomprising the steps of: without user input through the at least oneinput control, sensing the presence of a workstation user within a spaceassociated with the workstation; tracking substantially an entireduration of time that the worktop is in a sitting position while theuser is present within the space associated with the workstation duringan ongoing period of time; and when the tracked duration of time reachesa threshold period, without user input through the at least one inputcontrol, controlling the drive mechanism to provide a reminder to theuser that the worktop height should be changed from the sitting positionto a standing position, the reminder provided by controlling the drivemechanism to move the worktop through at least one vertical displacementsequence to a position other than the standing position wherein therange of the sequence is no greater than 5 inches, the displacementsequence includes at least one of an upward displacement and a downwarddisplacement, at the end of the displacement sequence the worktop heightis within one inch of the sitting position, wherein the duration of theat least one of an upward displacement and a downward displacement isless than 5 seconds, further including sensing user vacancy at theworkstation, the step of tracking the duration of time includingexcluding time when the workstation is vacant.
 15. A method forcontrolling a height adjustable workstation that includes a worktopsupported by a frame, a processor, at least one input control and avertical displacement drive mechanism, the at least one user inputcontrol for receiving manual direct user input from a workstation userto activate the drive mechanism to change the elevation of the worktopto different worktop elevation positions, the method comprising thesteps of: without user input through the at least one input control,sensing the presence of a workstation user within a space associatedwith the workstation; tracking substantially an entire duration of timethat the worktop is in a sitting position while the user is presentwithin the space associated with the workstation during an ongoingperiod of time; and when the tracked duration of time reaches athreshold period, without user input through the at least one inputcontrol, controlling the drive mechanism to provide a reminder to theuser that the worktop height should be changed from the sitting positionto a standing position, the reminder provided by controlling the drivemechanism to move the worktop through at least one vertical displacementsequence to a position other than the standing position wherein therange of the sequence is no greater than 5 inches, the displacementsequence includes at least one of an upward displacement and a downwarddisplacement, at the end of the displacement sequence the worktop heightis within one inch of the sitting position, wherein the duration of theat least one of an upward displacement and a downward displacement isless than 5 seconds, wherein the drive mechanism is controlled so thatthe displacement sequence causes the worktop to vibrate.
 16. A methodfor controlling a height adjustable workstation that includes a worktopsupported by a frame, a processor, at least one user input control andat least one integrated workstation subassembly, the worktop having anupper worksurface, the integrated workstation subassembly physicallyintegrated into the workstation at a location below the upperworksurface, the at least one user input control for receiving a userinput from a workstation user to control the drive mechanism to changethe elevation of the worktop to a different worktop elevation positions,the method comprising the steps of: establishing a goal for aworkstation user using the workstation wherein the goal is related tothe amount of time that the worktop is in at least a first heightposition relative to other height positions; tracking the duration oftime that the worktop is in the first position; using the goal andtracked duration of time to identify at least one time at which theworkstation user should change the position of the worktop; and at theidentified time, without receiving any user input through the at leastone input control, controlling the at least one integrated workstationsubassembly to vibrate the worktop to remind the workstation user tochange the worktop elevation position from a current position to anotherposition; wherein the workstation includes a displacement drivemechanism for manually moving the worktop to different elevationpositions and wherein the step of vibrating the worktop includes causingthe vertical displacement drive mechanism to rapidly move the worktop upand down over a small range of motion.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein the step of vibrating the worktop includes quickly driving theworktop up and down again through a plurality of vertical cycles whereinthe cycle amplitude is a fraction of an inch.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the cycle amplitude is substantially 1/10th of an inch.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 further including receiving an acknowledgement of thereminder from the workstation user and wherein the vibration continuesuntil the user acknowledgement is received.
 20. The method of claim 19further including, upon receiving an acknowledgement, changing theheight of the worktop from a current one of a first standing positionand a first sitting position to the other of the first standing positionand the first sitting position.
 21. The method of claim 16 furtherincluding, in response to the reminder, receiving user input confirmingthat the worktop should be moved to a second position and, uponreceiving the confirming user input, moving the worktop to the secondposition.